AGENDA #5d
TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL
Status of Capital Projects
December 31, 2003
There follows a status report on the capital projects on which Town staff are now working. Projects are classified as “Completed,” “Under Construction” and “In Planning.”
Completed
Fire Training Building Renovation
Project: Refurbishment of spalled concrete floor and installation of heat resistant tile inside building used for training fires.
Budget: $45,000 from CIP. Final contract cost for the project was $43,122.
Status: The project was 98% completed on December 31, 2003. All that remains to be done is the installation of temperature monitoring gauges, which is scheduled for January.
Police Headquarters Parking Lot Renovation
Project: Selective base repairs, resurfacing, repair and restriping of asphalt parking lot at Police Headquarters.
Budget: $50,000, CIP funds.
Status: Informal bid was awarded and construction was completed during the quarter.
Under Construction
Dry Creek Trail
Project: Land acquisition north and south of I-40 and construction of a trail from East Chapel Hill High School to Providence Road. Another branch of the trail is proposed to connect Chapel Hill and Durham trail systems on land north of I-40.
Budget: $415,430, including a $200,000 grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, National Trails Grants totaling $100,430, payment in lieu of open space funds of $10,800 and 1996 Open Space bonds.
Status: Sterling Ridge Apartments completed a trail segment from Providence Road to Erwin Ridge subdivision. Eagle Scouts have cleared a trail corridor from East Chapel Hill School to Perry Creek Road. Stairs and boardwalk have been constructed between San Juan Road and Perry Creek Road using a National Trails Program grant and Eagle Scout volunteers. Work continues on three separate portions of this project:
All necessary properties south of I-40 have been acquired. A 31-acre parcel south of I-40 on Erwin Road was acquired in 2003, across from the 35-acre parcel acquired in 2000.
Negotiations with owners of two parcels north of I-40 have so far been unsuccessful. However, acquisition of a third parcel north of I-40 was completed in 2003, using Clean Water Management Funds and 1996 bond funds.
Hargraves Center/A.D. Clark Bath House Renovations
Project: Perform extraordinary maintenance identified in 2000 Facilities Assessment Study, including, at the Center, replacement of interior surfaces, of electrical, heating and air conditioning systems, and plumbing fixtures; adding Americans with Disabilities Act accessible entrance and restroom facilities, and repairing the roof; and at the bath house, raising the roof, adding delighting, adding ADA accessible entrances and restroom facilities and replacement of all surfaces and mechanical equipment; and replacement of mechanical equipment and repouring the floor of the pump house.
Budget: $1,200,000 to be financed over 10 years included in CIP from 2001- 2010.
Status: Work began in April 2002. Change orders adding significant work, such as removal of asbestos, replacement of siding, roofing membrane, water-damaged sheathing and window flashing on the Center, more extensive reconstruction of the bath house, and more repairs on the pool, extended completion date to March 31. Punch list walk through on March 31 identified several relatively minor issues which delayed full occupancy. However, the building was stocked with furniture in April and the grand opening was held on May 10. The pool opened as usual on Memorial Day Weekend.
Completion of punch list items has delayed final close-out of this project. The contractor completed the punch list items during the 2nd quarter, and the contract will be closed out in January.
Final costs will be $1,200,000 or a small amount below that.
Homestead Gym Siding
Project: Residing of wood-frame building on Homestead Road, acquired as part of the development of Vineyard Square. Some drainage work is included to improve positive drainage.
Budget: $33,000 from the rent paid by the firm that uses the building for gymnastics classes. The contract for siding replacement is $28,200.
Status: The siding work is 80% complete, with the area around the two ventilation louvers and the electrical service remaining. Coordination with Duke Power will be necessary to complete the electrical work. Town forces will then regrade and landscape the area around the building to improve drainage and aesthetics during the next quarter.
Police Headquarters Renovations
Project: Repair of the leaks and the damage caused by them, replacement of roof and roof mounted air conditioning units and any other work needed to preserve the public’s asset.
Budget: $700,000 of 1996 Public Safety Bonds.
Status: Initial contract of $500,000 provided for repair and renovation, completing the waterproofing of all foundation and basement walls, replacement of the roof and of the air conditioning units on the roof and repair of floor and wall surfaces on the first floor. This work was completed in May 2002, with final check of HVAC system to be concluded with hot weather in 2004.
The remaining $200,000 is to provide for additional work on a safer configuration of the magistrate’s office, building security, renovation of the public lobby, and reorganizing space previously used for processing and storing paper records. Informal bids were opened in November, and a contract was executed for all of the above mentioned work. Construction on this follow-up project is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2004.
Pritchard Park Renovations
Project: Comprehensive renovations of 15-unit public housing neighborhood on Pritchard Drive Extension.
Budget: $960,700, including HUD’s Capital Grant and Community Development Block Grant funds.
Status: Site work, including demolition, concrete, and rehabilitation work in the first phase of 6 units began in June. Progress was delayed due to long fabrication time for windows and delivery of other components. The first phase of six dwelling units was completed and occupied in January, the second phase of four units in mid-April. However, a unit in the third phase suffered fire damage at the end of March, and negotiations with the insurance company and contractors delayed completion of the project. Occupancy of all units except the fire damaged one was completed by September 5, and the last unit was occupied on October 16. Final close-out is expected next quarter, after Duke Power and the contractor complete installation of the yard lighting and the associated site work.
The total costs are expected to be under $784,000.
Roof Replacement Project
Project: Replacement of the roofs of the Town Hall, Fire Station #2 (Hamilton Road) and Fire Station #3 (Elliott Road and Franklin Street).
Budget: $300,000, to be financed over 10 years.
Status: Bids totaling $307,700 for all three roofs were opened in October; debt service requirements will be within the budget. Town Hall is roof about 65% complete. The fire station roofs will follow sequentially, with completion of all expected next quarter.
In Planning
Airport Gardens Renovations
Project: Comprehensive renovations of 26-unit public housing neighborhood on Airport Road, including drainage and site work, replacement of windows, doors, cabinets, appliances, etc.
Budget: Approximately $1,000,000 now available for Phase I. Phase I funding will depend on cost of emergency repairs needed at Trinity Court neighborhood. Federal funds available in July 2004 are anticipated to be sufficient to complete the last 10 apartments and the site work.
Status: Architect was selected and began schematic design work in January 2003, with attention paid to site work and drainage issues as well as renovation of interior of apartments. Design drawings and bid package were ready by mid-May and were held in abeyance until September 2, when news of the amount of the next Capital Fund Grant was received from HUD. Construction bids were opened in December, and Council will be requested to award a contract next quarter for the 16 or 18 of the 26 apartments.
Aquatics Center
Project: Construction of an aquatic facility on a site in Homestead Park. The Council-approved conceptual plan includes a competition pool, warm water pool, locker rooms, office, and classroom and reception area.
Budget: Total of $5,555,000, including $1,200,000 from 1996 Town Park bonds and $855,000 from 1997 and $3,500,000 from 2001 Orange County Park and Recreation bonds.
Status: On March 5, 2001, the Council adopted the conceptual Plan and requested that the Board of County Commissioners release remaining $855,000 in 1997 bonds. A committee of elected officials from both jurisdictions developed a process for joint development of the Southern Community Park and governing bodies agreed to it March 3 and 5, 2003. The Council resolved on June 23 to request the Board of County Commissioners to approve the concept plan and follow same process as the one in use for the joint development of the Southern Community Park. The Commissioners approved the concept plan on October 1, 2003.
On September 16, the Project Planning Committee directed staff to negotiate a contract for design services with GGA Architects, the firm that had developed the concept plan. The contract is currently in the final stages of approval and should be executed by mid-January. The Committee also directed the Public Arts Commissions of both the Town and the County to develop a way to incorporate public art into the planning process for the Center. That process is underway.
Booker Creek Linear Park
Project: Construction of a park and trail along Booker Creek from East Franklin Street to US 15-501 Bypass, between Eastgate and Village Plaza commercial areas.
Budget: $447,100, including $349,700 from North Carolina Department of Transportation, $10,000 from the developer of the Plaza Theaters, and a local match of $87,400.
Status: Rose Engineering completed the study needed for the No Rise Certificate from FEMA, and found that the original concept plan was not feasible. The Council approved relocation of the pedestrian bridge in June 2002 and plans have been revised. Two of the three necessary easements have been acquired. Rose Engineering prepared another No Rise study that is required by FEMA for the revised bridge location, but then noted a misunderstanding. After considerable study and discussion of alternatives, it was decided to delete the bridge and route pedestrians across the stream along the shoulder of Elliot Road. Approval of this change by DOT was received in September 2003, and first round Zoning Compliance Permit drawings have been prepared. A necessary easement from the Federated Theaters developers has not yet been received. A request for bids will be advertised after ZCP drawings are approved in the third quarter, assuming the easement has been acquired.
Burning Tree Drive Drainage Project
Project: Alleviation of flooding of a private residence on Burning Tree Drive during heavy rain
Budget: $67,625 of Street bond funds.
Status: In-house design of the replacement of undersized storm drainage pipes under Burning Tree Drive and broadening of channel downstream was completed and reviewed by OWASA for necessary replacement of segments of a water and sewer line. Easement from one neighbor was available, but extensive negotiations with another neighbor did not result in the necessary easement. Therefore, the staff studied the feasibility and cost of providing an earthen (dry-floodproofing) landscaped berm to protect the house from flooding during certain rain events. Property owner agreement, surveying, preliminary plans, cost estimates and a feasibility study have been completed; final plans, permitting and bid documents remain to be completed. Construction by a private contractor, pending receipt of a reasonable bid, is anticipated in March.
Generator for Town Hall
Project: Installation of a generator capable of providing the power necessary to operate Town Hall during emergencies.
Budget: $130,000, to be financed over 10 years, from CIP funds.
Status: First engineering report presenting three options for location was prepared in April, and one option was selected for full development. Change in personnel of contract engineering firm caused delay.
The consulting engineer initially projected a cost of about $150,000; however, upon completion of the detailed design work they have presented a higher cost estimate. Public Works staff are currently working with the engineer to modify the design to reduce the overall cost of the project.
Generator for Police Headquarters
Project: Installation of a generator capable of providing the power necessary to operate the Police Headquarters.
Budget: $110,000, to be financed over 10 years from CIP funds./
Status: This project is being designed and bid in conjunction with the Town Hall generator project. The consulting engineer’s revised cost estimate is higher than the original estimate. Public Works staff are working with the engineer to modify the design to reduce the overall cost of the project.
Inter Faith Council (IFC) Shelter
Project: Extraordinary and deferred maintenance as defined in 2000 Facilities Assessment Study, with emphasis on exterior repairs necessary to protect the structure.
Budget: $450,000 to be financed over 10 years included in CIP from 2003/04– 2013/14.
Status: Council adopted a reimbursement resolution for $340,000 on September 9, 2002. Our engineering firm completed inspection of roof and advised more work be done than had originally been budgeted for. Council included financing for $450,000 budget in 2003/04 – 2013/14 CIP, so the reimbursement resolution will need to be amended before the bids are accepted and the financing finalized. Specifications for all needed exterior work, including roof repairs, replacement of windows, window frames and doors and pointing up the brick, are complete. Conversations with IFC staff have been on-going since July about the impact of the work on the safety of IFC operations. The IFC staff has decided to vacate the building during the work. In order to accommodate planning for IFC’s interim operations and to avoid roof work in the winter, work is planned to begin in spring of 2004.
Morgan Creek Greenway
Project: Construction of paved trail along Morgan Creek from Merritt Pasture on US 15-501 to Smith Level Road.
Budget: $89,375, 80% federal funding through NCDOT, 20% CIP for concept planning only.
Status: Conceptual Plan Committee convened in November 2002, held public forum June 10 and then suspended work until the revised flood mapping is published, which is anticipated to be in 2004.
Old Post Office Capital Repairs Project
Project: Renovation of exterior and, possibly, interior portions of the Old Post Office Building.
Budget: $1,500,000, to be financed over an as-yet-undetermined period of time.
Status: Selection of design consultants is scheduled for third quarter with design to begin fourth quarter.
Pritchard Park
Project: Construction of a primarily passive park on the 34 acres of Town-owned land surrounding the library, including trails, small playground and a sculpture garden.
Budget: $164,000, including a $100,000 gift from the Pritchard family.
Status: A committee consisting of representatives of the Library Board, Public Arts Commission, and Parks and Recreation Commission worked with Town and Hotel Siena staff, and all agreed on a recommendation to Council, based on conceptual plan adopted by Council in November 2000. The Council approved a proposed financial agreement with the Siena on November 25, 2002. A memorandum of understanding between the Town and the Siena was held in abeyance until the Land Use Management Ordinance was enacted so the impact of regulations related to the Resource Conservation District would become clear. A memorandum of understanding was then developed, but the owner of the Siena decided in June, 2003, that he wanted to do something different. He agreed to have a proposal ready for the Council after the summer, and later decided that the proposal would be in the form of a Special Use Permit application.
In the meantime, trails that circumnavigate the site have been built by Eagle Scout candidates, and the Audubon Road stub-out roadbed has been removed and seeded.
Sidewalks
Airport Road: Sidewalk on the east side of the road, from Timber Hollow Court to Homestead Road. Municipal Agreement executed this quarter with NCDOT to receive $100,000 in Direct Allocation funds. Local matching funds of $25,000 are budgeted. Project will likely be built by contractors.
Fordham Boulevard: Contract project on west side of roadway, from Days Inn to Willow Drive. Design completed by Engineering Department after lengthy negotiations with NCDOT, but DOT personnel changes caused plans to be revised. NCDOT has approved revised plans and a necessary easement has been acquired. Contract was awarded within the budget of $100,000 from 1996 Street bond funds, and work will begin next quarter.
Legion Road: In-house project on south side between Clover and Ephesus Church Roads; and between Scarlette Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Street. Design is complete. Public Works crews, delayed by hurricane recovery work, will probably begin in the spring.
West Rosemary Street: Funding of $25,000 was originally allocated for a segment on the north side of the street, from IFC Community House to Church Street. That project, however, has been delayed by difficulties in acquiring several easements and an attempted redesign, so the funding will be used to fill in a sidewalk on the south side, next to the First Baptist Church and the Oriental Garden restaurant. Design work is complete and construction will begin next quarter.
Weaver Dairy Road: Sidewalk from Cedar Fork Trail to Kingston Drive, along the south side of Weaver Dairy Road. Budget includes $180,000 of 1996 Street Bond funds. Funds being held at least until NCDOT’s road improvement project is designed and cost estimates made.
Southern Community Park
Project: Community Park to include soccer fields, woods and trails, paved paths, play areas, dog park, parking and site for a community center.
Budget: $1,090,000 from 1986 Town of Chapel Hill Parks bonds; and $658,000 from 1989 Town of Chapel Hill Parks bonds for land acquisition. $895,000 of 1997 Orange County Bond funds; $2 million of 2001 Orange County bond funds.
Status: Fifty acres were acquired in 1988 for $1,050,000 and 28 acres acquired in 1990 for $658,000. Conceptual plan was approved by the Town Council and forwarded to the County Commissioners on January 26, 2002. On March 5, 2003, the Board of County Commissioners approved the conceptual plan and a process for the planning and construction of projects that include County bond funds. The Project Planning Committee decided on April 15 to advertise for a landscape architect, interviewed four candidates on July 17, and selected OBS Landscape Architects on August 25. On October 1, 2003, the Board of County Commissioners agreed to spend 1% of County bond funds on public art and asked the Public Arts Commissions of the Town and the County to develop a process for doing so.
On December 8, the Project Planning Committee agreed to move the dog park from the southernmost tip of the park to a spot just south of Dogwood Acres Drive and to realign the soccer fields to a north-south direction to improve playability in the afternoon sun.
The contract with OBS Landscape Architects has been executed and work has started on the Special Use Permit application.
Streetscape
Project: Improve sidewalks, street trees, street furniture and
street lighting along town center streets, including Franklin and Rosemary
Streets, from east of Henderson Street to Merritt Mill Road, and the connecting
North Columbia Street. Intention is to implement in increments the plan
adopted by the Council in 1993, some of it being done by developers of adjacent
land and some by Town forces.
Budget: Of the $1,000,000 in 1996 Street Bond proceeds allocated, approximately $760,000 has been expended, encumbered or allocated to date.
Status: Segments completed on the north side of West Franklin Street from Carolina Cleaners to Ham’s, from the multi-tenant retail building housing Vespa’s to Franklin Street Cycles, and from Bruegger’s Bagels to Columbia Street; on both sides of North Columbia Street from Franklin Street to Rosemary Street; on the north side of East Franklin Street from Columbia Street to the Presbyterian Church; and on the south side of East Franklin Street from The Gap to McCorkle Place.
Developers completed the south side of East Franklin Street from The Gap around the corner of South Columbia Street to the Ackland Art Museum and in front of MacAllister’s Deli. The County’s contractor completed the sidewalk in front of Orange County’s Skills Development Center on West Franklin Street, using $60,000 of Town Street Bond funds for this project.
On November 11, the Council approved Phase 1 of special street and pedestrian lighting. Subsequently, $225,000 of Street Bond funds was encumbered for lighting most of the 100 blocks of East Franklin Street, and North Columbia Street between Franklin and Rosemary Streets, and a small portion of West Franklin Street. Duke Power reported that it would install the lighting this summer, but they now project installation beginning near the end of October.
On February 10, the Council approved the segment of Streetscape from Porthole Alley to McCorkle Place and it was completed this quarter, with the exception of ten trees to be planted later this fall. The one percent of the budget for art has been saved to pool with funds from future Streetscape projects.
Town Operations Facility
Project: Acquisition of land for and design and development of operations facilities for the Public Works Department, Transportation Department, the Police Vehicle Impoundment Lot, Housing Maintenance and a department now located in Town Hall.
Budget: Final budget will be determined after initial design is completed. $368,000 has been budgeted for the preliminary consultant work, including design, cost estimation and a preliminary traffic impact study.
Status: Eighty-eight acres north of Eubanks Road, west of I-40 and east of Millhouse Road, acquired and financed from 2001 through 2003 for a total capital cost of $1,436,000. Council approved contract with team led by Corley Redfoot Zack for conceptual plan and cost estimates December 9, 2002. Questionnaires and interviews of Town staff of four departments used in consultants’ assessment of needs.
Intensive design workshop completed in February and Council chose one of two different design schemes to be developed into a draft conceptual plan. Acquisition of 14-acre parcel led to a new concept plan and design workshop in April. Preliminary traffic impact study completed in April. Public Review of the draft plan in June. Council review of draft concept plan and initial cost projections June 23.
Additional work on refining cost projections and revising concept plan to reduce costs and studying demand for a day care facility was completed over the summer. On September 8, Council directed staff to prepare conceptual plan for Public Works that would cost $20,000,000. Council approved a revised plan and budget on October 27, and decided there was insufficient demand for a day care facility. On November 17, Council reviewed a concept plan, the first step in the Special Use Permit application process. The formal application was submitted on November 18, and staff review has been proceeding on an expedited schedule. Review by advisory boards and the Council’s public hearing are scheduled for the next quarter.